Former NHL Player Defends Maple Leafs' Draft Lottery Win Amid Rigging Claims
Ex-NHL enforcer slams 'losers' saying draft lottery was rigged for Maple Leafs to land #1 pick
Sportskeeda
Image: Sportskeeda
Jay Rosehill, a former NHL enforcer, defended the Toronto Maple Leafs' victory in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, which saw them jump from fifth to first overall despite only an 8.5% chance. He dismissed claims of rigging and urged the team to keep the top pick to draft Gavin McKenna, a promising left winger.
- 01Toronto Maple Leafs won the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, moving from fifth to first overall.
- 02Jay Rosehill criticized claims that the lottery result was rigged, labeling those who believe so as 'losers.'
- 03The Maple Leafs are advised to keep their top pick and select Gavin McKenna, a highly-rated left winger.
- 04McKenna had an impressive season at Penn State, scoring 51 points in 35 games.
- 05Toronto last held the first overall pick in 2016, selecting Auston Matthews.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Toronto Maple Leafs secured the first overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, jumping from fifth place despite having only an 8.5% chance. Former NHL player Jay Rosehill responded to accusations of rigging, stating, 'Keep saying it’s rigged. Losers.' The pick is significant due to the conditions of a prior trade involving Brendan Carlo, where the pick would have gone to the Boston Bruins if Toronto fell outside the top five. Rosehill advocates for the Maple Leafs to retain their top pick and draft Gavin McKenna, a left winger expected to make an immediate impact. McKenna had a standout freshman year at Penn State, tallying 51 points in 35 games and previously scored 129 points in the 2024-25 WHL season. The last time the Maple Leafs picked first overall was in 2016, when they chose Matthews, who is now the team's captain.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Maple Leafs' decision to keep the top pick could shape their future success and roster dynamics, potentially benefiting fans and stakeholders.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think the Maple Leafs should keep the first overall pick?
Connecting to poll...
More about Toronto Maple Leafs
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.